Some of the best pit masters will be Rio Rancho this weekend for the 13th Annual Pork and Brew.

Local and national BBQ vendors will fill the Santa Ana Star center Saturday, Sunday and Monday with some of their best dishes. “We got people from New Mexico, Texas, Florida and then some local breweries as well. Red Door, tractor Brewing and Cazuela’s in Rio Rancho as well as Premiere Distributing will have some local crafts as well,” said Zach Orr with the Star Center. Many vendors will also be vying for the title of state champion.

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One of the vendors competing for that title is Pepper’s Old Fashion BBQ and Soul Food. This year they told Action 7 News they are doing something a little different for BBQ lovers. “We're actually going to specialize in finger foods this year. We're going to have skewers and a lot of finger foods. A lot of sliders and of course we'll have two of the king of BBQ meats. Ribs and the king of BBQ brisket,” said Daniel Morgan Pepper with Pepper’s Old Fashion BBQ and Soul Food.

In addition to BBQ vendors, there will also be many other activities for you and your kids to enjoy like a petting zoo and pig races. Gallup and Grace Youth Ranch wants kids to experience farming and ranching first hand. “We’re going to set up a petting zoo so we will have a lot of our animals there from calves, goats, chickens, pigs. Kids can get in and play with them and have a good time,” said Max Wade with Gallup and Grace. He also wants to teach children where their food comes from. “If you ask most kids here in Rio Rancho or in Albuquerque where their food comes from, a lot of it comes from the supermarket. It’s either a bag or a box and that’s where they get,” said Wade. He said he wants to make sure children know the fundamentals of their food and what keeps us alive.

The 13th Annual Pork and Brew begins Saturday July 2 and runs until Monday July 4. Time for the event are as follows:

Saturday July 2: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday July 3: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday July 4: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pork and Brew is at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for kids and seniors. Children three and under get in free. You can purchase them at the door, online at www.SantaAnaStarCenter.com or by calling 888-694-4849.